torpedo

/tɔrˈpidoʊ/
noun
  1. A long, self-propelled underwater missile that explodes on contact with a target, used by submarines, ships, or aircraft.
    • The submarine launched a torpedo at the enemy warship.
    • During the war, torpedoes sank many merchant vessels.
    • Naval engineers designed a new torpedo that travels faster and quieter.
  2. A type of electric ray (fish) that can deliver a strong electric shock to stun prey or defend itself.
    • The torpedo glided along the sandy ocean floor, searching for small fish.
    • Divers are careful not to step on a torpedo, as its shock can be painful.
    • The electric organs of a torpedo make up about one-sixth of its body weight.
  3. A sandwich made from a long roll of bread, filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables; a submarine sandwich.
    • I ordered a turkey and Swiss torpedo for lunch.
    • He cut the torpedo into four pieces so everyone could share.
    • The deli's specialty torpedo comes with roast beef, provolone, and peppers.
Synonyms
verb
  1. To attack or destroy (a ship) with a torpedo.
    • The old destroyer was torpedoed and sank within minutes.
    • The enemy submarine torpedoed the cargo ship at dawn.
    • During the exercise, the navy practiced how to torpedo a target without being detected.
  2. To deliberately ruin or sabotage a plan, project, or relationship.
    • His negative comments torpedoed any chance of reaching an agreement.
    • They tried to torpedo the merger by leaking false information to the press.
    • The scandal torpedoed her political career overnight.
Synonyms
Antonyms